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Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Robotics
Job Requisition ID: 20893
Date Posted: 15 September 2026
Closing Date: 13 October :59 CET/CEST
Publication: External Only
Type of Appointment ( learn more) : National Graduate Trainee
Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration
The ESA National Graduate Trainee (NGT) Programmes offer recent Master’s graduates the opportunity to gain practical, hands‑on experience at ESA across a range of space‑related disciplines. The programmes are essentially similar to ESA’s own Graduate Trainee Programme, notably in offering the same employment conditions. They however differ in one important respect: each NGT Programme is funded by an individual ESA Member State or Associate Member under a bilateral partnership agreement concluded with ESA.
As a result, a representative of the sponsoring State participates in the selection process. In addition to assessing candidates against the requirements of the position, the selection may also include an evaluation of their background and knowledge of the space policies and related activities of the sponsoring State.
Location
Our team and mission
The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration is the main ESA entity in charge of supporting and coordinating efforts towards the current and the future endeavours of human spaceflight. The exploration activities are part of the strategic plans in securing a central role for Europe with respect to the global initiatives. The strategy includes three destinations where humans will work with robots to gather new knowledge: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the Moon, and Mars.
The “Spaceship ECSAT” initiative is investigating low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies for supporting the future cislunar space mission as well as surface activities on the Moon as part of the Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) team. This multidisciplinary, innovation‑driven team composed by researchers, graduate and undergraduate students is based at the ESA European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT). The founding idea behind this initiative is to prepare the future of Space exploration. To do so, a pragmatic and research focused approach is adopted, and knowledge acquired is disseminated within ESA, partners and the relevant scientific community.
The Spaceship team is also involved in supporting the development of our VULCAN facility at ECSAT. This facility is designed to be a focal point for simulant development (including regolith, rocks etc.) and curation activities in Europe for Space Applications, with a focus on Exploration and Science. It provides expertise to ESA, its member states, and potentially worldwide regarding analogue and simulant materials.
We are continually looking for innovative applicants with skills or interests in these areas to join the Spaceship ECSAT team.
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
Within Spaceship ECSAT, we have a number of fields where we carry out different projects. Our team is always on the lookout for talented and motivated persons to join our projects and contribute to ESA’s exploration activities. The main areas into which the initiative is currently active are remote manipulation, surface mobility, embedded systems and human‑machine interfaces.
Some of the topics you may be working on as a National Graduate Trainee are the following:
- demonstrating disruptive technologies such as Virtual/Augmented Reality, collaborative robotics and their potential use cases for exploration;
- investigating novel concepts in the domain of Space Resources/In‑Situ Resource Utilisation, to enable sustainable human exploration;
- topics related to ‘off world living’, e.g. human factors, design and concept illustration.
Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains
Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities
Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects
You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in Robotics, Computer science or affiliated fields.
Additional requirements
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at .
Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of Estonia or permanent residents of Estonia with the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member or Cooperating State.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
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Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Robotics in Harwell employer: EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY
As an employer, ESA offers a unique opportunity for recent Master’s graduates to gain hands-on experience in the cutting-edge field of Advanced Materials and Process Engineering. Located at ECSAT in Harwell, UK, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusiveness, alongside access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. With a strong emphasis on professional development and innovative projects, ESA is committed to fostering growth and providing meaningful contributions to the future of space exploration.
